"It is hardly to doubt that Vladyka manifestly pleased God by his truly ascetic life and struggle of prayer. It is worthy of attention that when we served his funeral on the sixth day (for various reasons I was long delayed en route, and they waited a long time for the funeral on Thursday, at six o'clock in the evening), his coffin stood open. Not only were there no signs of bodily decomposition whatsoever, but Vladyka lay as one sleeping; his hands had their usual appearance and color and were soft and warm... his incorruption was obvious" (from a letter of Metropolitan Philaret)